Seven people, including three members of Atlanta-based family gospel group The Nelons and Georgia Department of Corrections Board chairman Larry Haynie, died in a plane crash Friday afternoon in Wyoming, according to Channel 2 Action News. Haynie was piloting the plane, a Pilatus PC-12/47E.
In addition to the three members of The Nelons, a family member who was accompanying them and their assistant also were killed. Haynie’s wife, Melissa Haynie, was also killed when the plane crashed in Wyoming around 3 p.m. EST.
There were no survivors, Gaither Management Group, who managed the gospel singers, confirmed to WSB-TV.
The Nelons members Jason Clark and Kelly Nelon Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, were killed according to another daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, who served as the fourth member of the group.
“Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark,” Nelon Streetman said. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”
Amber Kistler’s husband, Nathan Kistler, and the group’s assistant, Melodi Hodges, also died in the crash.
Gov. Brian Kemp shared a note asking the community to pray for those who died. He also recognized the contributions of Larry Haynie.
“As chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board and through a career of valued service in public safety, Larry’s impact on our state will not be forgotten,” Kemp wrote. “We will continue to hold his memory and that enduring commitment to his fellow Georgians in our hearts and memories.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident and expected to be on the scene Saturday, a representative said. The NTSB said the crash occurred at a remote location and that after initial documentation and examination, the plane will be taken to a facility for further evaluation.
The National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Keith Holloway said Saturday that preliminary information indicated the plane crashed following an “auto pilot issue during flight” and a team of investigators was headed to the site.
”The aircraft is in a remote location and once they gain access, they will begin documenting the scene, examining the aircraft,” Holloway said. “The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
A preliminary report on the crash is expected in about 30 days while a final report with the probable cause of the crash could take up to two years to complete, Holloway said.
The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and were winners of 10 GMA Dove Awards, including multiple song of the year and album of the year awards.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
